LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 02: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a three run home run in the second inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, July 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
San Diego Padres (43-43) at Los Angeles Dodgers (57-31), July 3, 2026, 7:10 p.m. PST
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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: Andre Drummond #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers goes up for the rebound during the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Two on May 6, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks have spent the last few days searching for their new backup center after losing Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, and they seem to have found their man.
Per Shams Charania, the Knicks have signed two-time All-Star Andre Drummond to a one-year, $3.9 million contract.
Free agent center Andre Drummond has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million to sign with the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/VybK9XswUY
The veteran big man had spent the last two seasons with the rival Philadelphia 76ers and will enter the 2026-27 season with his seventh team in 15 seasons.
Selected No. 9 overall out of UConn by Detroit in 2012, Drummond broke into the starting lineup by Year 2. He changed the trajectory of the Pistons’ franchise after previously planning to build around former lottery pick Greg Monroe. He averaged 7.9 points and 7.6 rebounds as a rookie, finishing fourth in the 2012-13 Rookie of the Year voting.
He immediately gained a reputation as one of the league’s premier rebounders, leading the league in offensive rebounds in seven consecutive seasons while becoming a force around the rim offensively. His breakout came in 2015-16, when he averaged 16.2 points and 14.8 rebounds, made the All-NBA Third Team, and got down-ballot Defensive Player of the Year votes.
After another all-star nod in 2018 and a strong start to 2019-20, the rebuilding Pistons finally cut him loose, trading him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 2020, but only played eight games before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season short. He re-signed with Cleveland that offseason, but was waived after just 25 games in late March 2021 before joining the Lakers for the playoff run.
Since then, he’s become a journeyman of sorts. He started 2021-22 in Philadelphia, but was sent as matching salary to Brooklyn in the James Harden trade that February. He inked a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls for 2022-23 and 2023-24, during which he served as the primary backup to Nikola Vucevic.
His last two years with the Sixers have been a fundamental shift in what he is as a player. He remains a premier rebounder, averaging 15.6 rebounds (5.8 offensive) per 36 minutes, but has significantly slowed defensively as he enters his mid-30s.
The biggest shift, though, has been his offensive evolution. After attempting just 120 threes total in his first 12 seasons, he’s attempted 110 in the last two seasons in Philly, including a startling 32-for-90 in 2025-26. He hit three of them, all in the corner, against the Knicks in December.
He’s also gotten much better as a free throw shooter, improving from a career 48.2% mark to 63% over the last two seasons. With Robinson’s flaws at the free throw line and his offensive versatility, Drummond will provide an upgrade there while making up a lot of the rebounding loss at 6’11”.
While Drummond signed for $3.9 million, the CBA dictates that the cap hit will be at just $2.457 million. Veteran players earn more total salary on minimum contracts, but the cap hit remains low to incentivize teams to sign them. Therefore, the Knicks did not use any of the potential Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception that they can partially use if they so choose.
Ian Begley reports the Knicks are not done in the center market, showing interest in Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas as a third center if he is bought out.
Knicks have secured agreement with free agent Andre Drummond, source confirms. Drummond, former Mount Vernon star, will be backup 5 for Karl-Anthony Towns after Mitchell Robinson exit. Drummond has agreed to one-year deal. First reported by @MikeAScotto. If he becomes free agent,…
The Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, US, on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. There are now about 100 EV charging stations in US national parks, almost all of them relatively slow, so-called Level 2 facilities. Photographer: Erin Trieb/Bloomberg via Getty Images | Bloomberg via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
BREWERS
DIAMONDBACKS
Christian Yelich – DH
Ketel Marte – 2B
Jackson Chourio – LF
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Brice Turang – 2B
Corbin Carroll – RF
William Contreras – C
Gabriel Moreno – C
Jake Bauers – 1B
Lourdes Gurriel – LF
Garrett Mitchell – CF
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Sal Frelick – RF
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Cooper Pratt – SS
LuJames Groover – DH
David Hamilton – 3B
Tommy Troy – CF
Kyle Harrison – LHP
Jose Cabrera – RHP
Back to the grind – for both the D-backs and me. I’ve returned from a very pleasant week in Wyoming, Mrs. SnakePit and I visiting a friend in Jackson Hole. Expect pics of the places we visited to be appearing in the Gameday Threads for this series! It was a very pleasant trip: the air and scenery up there are both amazing. I also enjoyed the whole de-stressing thing. Getting off social media and, to a large extent, the Internet in general, for a few days is something I highly recommend. It’s tough initially: I kept wanting to reach for my phone. But after a while, I realized life elsewhere was going to continue, regardless of whether or not I was checking in on an hourly basis.
The D-backs went 2-2 in my absence, being swept by the Rays, before taking two of three from the Giants. Though losing even a single game to San Francisco feels like a defeat. That leaves them at a perfectly even 43-43 record, and a tough series beckons against the Brewers, who have the second-best record in all baseball, behind only (and this is my unsurprised face) the Dodgers. This season, LA has scored more runs per game and conceded fewer, than any other team in baseball. Milwaukee, however, are not exactly slouches – by the same metric, they rank fifth- and second-base respectively. Nope, it ain’t going to be easy. One win will be okay. Two? A triumph.
Arizona are still desperately short of production at 1B. Their seasonal OPS is a woeful .559, which remains the worst at the position by any team since 1920. It’s sixty-six points worse than anyone else. Mind you, center field is hardly any better at .587. At least that is ahead of someone: specifically, the Cleveland Guardians, whose CFs are collectively sixteen points below us. Designated Hitter, at .620, completes the trifecta of positional suck, ranked 28th (above the Tigers and Royals). With basically three positions – two of them generally considered offensively minded ones – acting as black holes, it’s kinda impressive the D-backs are still at .500. Whether they will be by Sunday night remains to be seen…
Every great team has leaders. Players who inspire, teach, and motivate — sometimes with words, sometimes just by outworking everyone else. A team’s leader doesn’t always have to be its best player (although it helps if they are). The Warriors’ dynasty had Draymond Green as a great vocal leader. The Celtics had Marcus Smart for a long time as their emotional leader and communicator. Both of these guys set the tone, and their teammates followed. But leadership doesn’t always look like Draymond barking on defense. Sometimes it looks like a 22-year-old flying his teammates to his hometown for a week of training. Keyonte George is becoming that tone-setter for the Utah Jazz.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 16: Keyonte George #3, Taylor Hendricks #0, Lauri Markkanen #23, and Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz walk toward the huddle during a time out in the first half of the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Delta Center on October 16, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) | Getty Images
Keyonte George has shown leadership qualities as early last summer. According to Sarah Todd of Deseret News, George took it upon himself last off season to ask Will Hardy for permission to fly his teammates to his hometown of Lewisville, Texas. Will Hardy was of course on board, and noted that the best teams he has been around have really strong human connection. One way to build that connection is by spending time together. The group that ended up going to Texas included Ace Bailey, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, Elijah Harkless, Walter Clayton, and John Tonje.
In Texas, the Jazz players went through conditioning drills, played pickup games, and lifted weights together. They also had a chance to bond off the court, going to football games, concerts, and eating out. Will Hardy noticed immediate impact at camp in the way they were able to be more honest and blunt with each other.
Another great way George has been leading this team is by his example. After his 3rd straight 30-point game last December, his teammate, Isaiah Collier, called him a “great leader for us as a team,” pointing to the offseason work everyone on the team had witnessed and noting that it was “contagious.” Coach Will Hardy went further, explaining that he didn’t want to claim George was the sole reason his teammates were working hard, but that “the way that he works and carries himself rubs off on a lot of our team.”
This kind of work ethic and example George is setting for his teammates is so important for a young team like Utah who is still looking for an identity and trying to build a lasting culture. His breakout season has shown the other young players what can happen if they put in the work over an entire offseason.
Furthermore, George showed his commitment to the team earlier this year in March when he went down with a hamstring injury. According to Sarah Todd, although the injury eliminated his chance of winning the Most Improved Player award, George “cheered on his teammates from the sidelines. He offered advice during dead balls and shared laughs during timeouts.”
Great leaders put others before themselves, and understand that team success is more important than personal accolades. George could have let missing out on a chance to win Most Improved Player make him angry, but instead he put the Jazz first and showed up for his teammates.
George’s leadership hasn’t stopped with the players already in the locker room, he has made a point of welcoming new ones, too. When Darryn Peterson was selected with the No. 2 overall pick, George didn’t wait until training camp to start building a relationship with him. The two had dinner together Peterson’s first night in Utah.
Peterson later shared what George had told him to expect heading into his first Summer League practice: “Whatever you think is hard, just multiply it by ten.” Peterson said the advice didn’t scare him, but prepared him to work.
That mentorship continued into Summer League practices, where Keyonte George has been a constant presence despite not being on the Summer League roster himself.
During one practice, George drew up a play to get Darryn Peterson the ball and it ended up working. What started as a joke about putting Keyonte George on the coaching staff is now becoming a reality. George agreed to join head coach Steve Wojciechowski’s staff as an assistant coach for their Summer League opener on July 9th against the Washington Wizards.
Jazz front office and Keyonte's agent finalized an agreement for him to be an assistant coach for a single summer league game (July 9 vs. Wizards). The agreement came together after Keyonte drew up a game-changing play in practice. https://t.co/3Kns0e5vDn
One of the rare instances of an active player taking on a coaching role like this, and reportedly had to be cleared with the league office before becoming official, showing just how invested George is in Utah’s young core.
At just 22 years old and coming off the best season of his career, Keyonte George could be spending his summer on vacation or locked in on his own offseason training. Instead, he’ll be on the sideline with a clipboard, helping develop the next generation of Jazz talent in Ace Bailey, Darryn Peterson, and Cody Williams.
As Utah enters the next era of Jazz basketball, they need cornerstones to build the franchise around. Maybe Ace Bailey or Darryn Peterson become the next Jazz superstar. But every great team also needs someone to set the standard for everyone else.
Keyonte George is already doing that.
Whether it’s organizing offseason workouts, setting the standard with his own preparation, mentoring rookies, or spending his summer helping coach instead of taking time for himself, George has consistently shown that he’s invested in something bigger than just his next contract.
The Jazz have a lot to do before they win a championship. But when they do, don’t be shocked if people look back on moments like these and see the foundation of the culture that made it possible.
TORONTO, ON - MAY 10: James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners poses with the ball used to record the final out of his no-hitter two days earlier before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 10, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James Paxton | Getty Images
Not satisfied with hosting all these international visitors for the World Cup, Seattle will now tolerate the presence of 30,000 Candians for the annual series against the Blue Jays. The Mariners will look to get a little revenge for their Game 7 loss in last years ALCS, but they’ll have to do it without their star centerfielder. Julio Rodríguez was transferred to the 7-day concussion IL after getting hit in the back of the head by an errant throw on his way to second base last night. Víctor Robles was also taken out of last night’s game after getting hit by a pitch on the forearm, but he is doing OK today and will take Julio’s place in centerfield. Miles Mastrobouni takes Julio’s place on the 26-man (and gets on the 40-man by way of Cooper Criswell being transfered to the 60-day IL).
Lineups
Sorry for the bad graphic. Elon now wants you logged in to get access to the team’s fancier graphics they post on Twitter. Such are the limits of my service journalism.
Tonight’s starting pitchers will be Dylan Cease for the Jays and Luis Castillo for Seattle. Cease was Tornoto’s big offseason acquisition, and has totally delivered. Rocking the second-lowest ERA, xERA, FIP, and xFIP of his career, Cease is right in the thick of the AL Cy Young conversation as the second half gets rolling. Castillo’s season is unfolding . . . differently.
Game Info
First Pitch: 7:10 PDT TV: Simulcast on Mariners TV and over the airwaves on KING 5 Radio: Old reliable
With things picking up on the offer sheet front and in the RFA market in the days following NHL free agency, the Pittsburgh Penguins have some bigger rumors swirling about them.
It may not be a very high-profile RFA move like some want, but they did make an RFA-related signing on Friday.
The Penguins came to terms on a two-year deal with RFA forward Hendrix Lapierre, who was extended a qualifying offer on Jun. 30. The contract is worth $1.3 million annually.
The former first round pick (22nd overall in 2020) never quite fully found his footing in parts of four seasons with Washington, amassing just 13 goals and 47 points in 158 NHL games with the Capitals. The 6-foot, 190-pound center has played in a bottom-six role to start his career, and he joins what currently looks like a crowded forward group.
Already having 14 forwards listed on their NHL roster, the Penguins will have some decisions to make. With rumors about the Penguins being involved in some trade discussions - most notably, pertaining to RFA superstar forward Jason Robertson - going around, it's possible that the number of forwards on their NHL roster will decrease by the time training camp rolls around.
As of Friday, Pittsburgh has yet to sign RFA forwards Egor Chinakhov and the newly acquired Nicholas Robertson, and they also figure to come to terms with RFA goaltender Arturs Silovs.
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 15: A general view inside the stadium and of the skyline during Game Three of the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Late night baseball, especially for you guys out east. I’m going to put the thread up early, mostly so I don’t forget.
There is a little bit of news:
George Springer has a new baby boy.
Max Scherzer threw three innings and 49 pitches for the Canadians. He gave up 3 hits, 2 earned, 2 walks with 3 strikeouts. He’ll be doing a couple more rehab starts (at least).
Yimi Garcia, Addison Barger and Jesus Sanchez are all in Florida, building towards playing again.
The combat sports world has joined in on the festivities as sports fans everywhere await Lebron James next move.
In case you don’t know, the legendary NBA superstar is no longer a member of the Los Angeles Lakers where he has played for the past eight seasons. This includes an NBA Championship back in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak. James has been defying the odds ever since as the now 41-year-old continues to play at an elite level.
As of now, Lebron is officially an NBA free agent, which means he can sign with any team he wants. The legendary basketball player isn’t looking to score a big payday ahead of his incredible 24th NBA season. Instead, James simply wants to join a team that gives him the best chance to win another title. That could be with the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, or even the New York Knicks, who are coming off their first NBA title in 53 years.
That is, of course, if Lebron doesn’t take his talents to the cage.
This week, the mixed martial arts (MMA) community took to social media to suggest that Lebron was moving from the NBA to combat sports. Obviously this is a joke, but it goes to show you the global reach of James. There may have been a time when a younger James could have utilized his elite size and athleticism to make some noise as a professional fighter, but that time has passed.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the MMA community from trying. Check it out below:
👑 LEBRON JAMES OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH THE MMA! After months of contract negotiations, LeBron has decided to take his talents from the hardwood to the cage. Sources say his first goal is becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion. 🥊😂 #lebronJames#MMApic.twitter.com/iiXXXpnyiy
“LEBRON JAMES OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH THE MMA! After months of contract negotiations, LeBron has decided to take his talents from the hardwood to the cage. Sources say his first goal is becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion.”
“The decision has been made. LeBron James is taking his talents to ONE!”
— HEXAGONE MMA Winamax (@HexagoneMma) July 2, 2026
“Following the announcement of his departure from the Lakers, the entire sports world is waiting to find out where LeBron James will go…
HEXAGONE MMA is proud to announce a totally unprecedented addition to its roster…
LeBron James (@kingjames) officially joins the organization… and embarks on a new adventure.
After making basketball history with the Lakers and the NBA, the American legend is turning a historic page in his career to take on a new challenge in the cage. With his extraordinary physical power, explosiveness, and flair for the dramatic, LeBron James is set to shake up the heavyweight division and draw all eyes to HEXAGONE MMA.
This signing, as unexpected as it is explosive, once again confirms the league’s commitment to writing unique chapters and shining a spotlight on MMA on the international stage.”
Jun 27, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Jack Perkins (50) delivers during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | William Liang-Imagn Images
Tonight, the Athletics kick off a three-game Independence Day weekend series against the Miami Marlins, who have been arguably the hottest team in baseball, as evidenced by their MLB-best 20-6 record in June. After dropping two of three games against the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week, the A’s will look to bounce back against the Marlins in the second and final series of the team’s latest homestand.
Earlier today, the “Green and Gold” shook up their bullpen, activating Mark Leiter Jr. off the injured list and welcoming back Jose Suarez from the paternity list. The team made room in its bullpen by designating right-handed reliever Geoff Hartlieb and left-hander Matt Krook for assignment. The two journeymen relievers will likely either clear waivers and remain in the organization, most likely at Triple-A Las Vegas, or be claimed by another club.
While Leiter Jr. and Suarez could see action out of the bullpen, they will follow right-hander Jack Perkins, who gets the start for the A’s in the series opener. Perkins enters his 23rd game and sixth start of the season with a 2-3 record, a 6.00 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and 62 strikeouts across 51 innings.
The 26-year-old delivered his best start of the season in his most recent outing, holding the Los Angeles Angels to two runs on four hits over five innings. Despite pitching well, he received a fourth straight no-decision. Perkins will aim to change that this evening as he chases his first win since April. He will need to keep the ball on the ground, avoid giving up the long ball and work efficiently on the mound.
This is one of the most interesting lineups the Athletics have used this season. Their two likely All-Stars sit atop the order, with first baseman Nick Kurtz leading off after catcher Shea Langeliers hit first in the A’s previous game.
The middle of the lineup features several players in unfamiliar spots. Slumping right fielder Lawrence Butler will hit third, rather than his usual position closer to the bottom of the order. An injury to starting left fielder Tyler Soderstrom has opened up everyday playing time for Colby Thomas, who gets a rare chance to face a right-handed starter. Designated hitter Carlos Cortes has seen limited action lately amid a prolonged slump at the plate.
For the hosts to emerge victorious, they will need offensive production from these three players, as well as rookies Joshua Kuroda-Grauer and Henry Bolte. Kuroda-Grauer, making his fourth straight start, looks to build on his strong 5-for-11 start to his MLB career.
The A’s offense will face Marlins right-hander Tyler Phillips, who enters his 23rd game and seventh start with a 1-3 record, a 3.02 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 65 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old recorded his first MLB win against the A’s when he was on the Phillies in 2024. Last year, Phillips threw three scoreless innings when the “Green and Gold” faced the Marlins in Miami.
The right-hander comes into this outing full of momentum after a 7 1/3-inning, two-run performance in a losing effort against the St. Louis Cardinals. In his start before that, Phillips held the Texas Rangers to two runs over six innings. If Miami’s starter continues pitching this well, the A’s may have trouble scoring runs tonight. However, he could be prone to a letdown outing, especially in the hitter-friendly confines of the A’s home ballpark.
The Marlins’ offense contrasts with how the Athletics and many other teams operate. Miami scores much of its runs through speed and small ball rather than home runs. Liam Hicks and Kyle Stowers provide the power, while the middle-infield duo of Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards supply on-base ability and speed.
As a result, Perkins must pitch carefully and avoid leaving pitches over the middle of the plate. His battery mate, Langeliers, will need to help him control the running game and throw out potential base stealers.
Time to start this series on the right foot with a Friday night win. Let’s go A’s!
Jul 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) reacts to getting hit in the back of the helmet by a thrown ball during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
A tough run of injuries for the 2026 Mariners continues. The latest blow: Julio Rodríguez is being placed on the 7-day concussion IL after being struck in the back of the head by an errant throw by Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel in Thursday’s game.
Julio initially stayed in the game for the rest of the inning plus a defensive half-inning, but by the time the adrenaline wore off, he was feeling light-headed. He contacted a trainer and was removed from the game in the third inning. Rodríguez came to the park to be evaluated this morning and was still feeling concussion-like symptoms, at which point the team opted to place him on the seven-day concussion IL
“Obviously, with head injuries, you have to be so careful,” said manager Dan Wilson. “Obviously it’s a tough break, but we’ve been through it before here, so we’ll keep grinding away.”
The concussion IL is a minimum stay of seven days, but shouldn’t require any additional rehab beyond that. Rodríguez will be able to return to baseball activities as soon as he feels up to it, although for today, and likely tomorrow, he’s at home and resting.
To take Julio’s place, utility player Miles Mastrobuoni has been selected to the big-league roster. Mastrobuoni was the subject of an unfortunate DFA on June 19 when the team needed another right-handed bat while Randy Arozarena was on the 10-day IL. He cleared waivers and remained with the Mariners, however, and now will rejoin a team that’s suffered more than its fair share of position-player injuries. Mastrobuoni – or “Mister Bunny” as we like to call him around here, thanks to my Otter transcription app, which cannot parse his name – doesn’t help the Mariners with their lefty-heavy problem, a big part of the reason he was DFA’d in the first place, but he does help solve the outfielder problem, at least partially, as he’s more of an outfielder than the righties Buddy Kennedy and Weston Wilson.
In order to make room for Mastrobuoni, RHP Cooper Criswell has been transferred to the 60-day IL with a right shoulder strain (originally this was called a pec strain, but the injury classification has been updated). He’s eligible to return August 8, so still on track for the post All-Star-Break timeline Justin Hollander gave in his last injury update.
Also injured in last night’s arcade shootout game with the Angels were outfielders Victor Robles and Randy Arozarena, who were both hit by pitches. Both are in the lineup today, although Arozarena was seen pregame with kinetic tape wrapped around the sore biceps where he was hit. Robles said pregame he’s feeling “better” – he’ll take over center field duties the majority of the time Julio is out, along with Luke Raley.
The writing had been on the wall for Mads Sogaard for a while now.
After seven years in the Senators organization, the 25-year-old goaltender officially left the club on Wednesday, signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
With so many big NHL headlines flying around on July 1st, Sogaard's exit flew under the radar a little, but his departure wasn't exactly a surprise.
Over the past two weeks, the Senators acquired Samuel Ersson from the Toronto Maple Leafs and then committed to restricted free agent Leevi Merilainen on a one-year contract extension.
With Linus Ullmark entrenched as the starter, there simply wasn't a path forward for Sogaard in Ottawa, nor had he earned one. The Sens also have to start getting better looks at goalies like Jackson Parsons and Kevin Reidler.
The Great Dane's exit marks the end of another goalie graveyard story in Ottawa.
The Senators believed enough in Sogaard back in 2019 that they traded up to select him 37th overall in the NHL Draft. At 6-foot-7, he immediately became one of the most intriguing goaltending prospects in hockey. You can't teach size, as they say, and combined with his .921 save percentage in his draft year with Medicine Hat (WHL) he was hard to resist.
Among goalies, Sogaard went second overall in that draft behind only Spencer Knight.
There was always a sense that if everything came together, Ottawa might have found its goalie of the future. But injuries became the ongoing theme. Every time Sogaard appeared ready to build some momentum, another setback seemed to interrupt his progress.
In his six years as a pro, thanks to injuries, Sogaard has only appeared in 162 professional games.
Last season was another difficult one. Sogaard played 27 games for Belleville, posting a 7-13-4 record with a 3.69 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage. He also made two appearances with Ottawa.
One of those games turned out to be one of the best performances of his NHL career.
On January 25, Sogaard stopped 20 of 21 shots in a stunning 7-1 victory over the eventual Stanley Cup finalist Vegas Golden Knights. Afterward, he spoke emotionally about everything it had taken just to get back to the NHL after another injury setback. It felt like a breakthrough moment, and perhaps the beginning of another opportunity.
Instead, it proved to be one final NHL highlight before the Senators moved in a different direction.
Sogaard became a Group 6 unrestricted free agent, and Tampa Bay will now see if there's still an NHL goalie in there waiting to emerge.
Søgaard remains tied for the distinction of being the tallest goaltender ever to appear in an NHL game at 6-foot-7, sharing the record with, among others, former Lightning star Ben Bishop. Tampa also acquired Bishop from Ottawa in 2013, and he went on to have four outstanding seasons.
Tampa would love to see Lightning strike twice.
By Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was first published on The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site. For full coverage of the Senators, check out one of the latest headlines below:
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 01: Pete Nance #35 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three point shot against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on April 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the Bucks having 17 rostered players, cuts were going to have to happen at some point, and Pete Nance is the first casualty. Nance was always the most obvious player to cut because of his non-guaranteed $2.5m contract, which would have become guaranteed if they kept him past Saturday. Also, Milwaukee acquired a fair few guys who play his position via the Giannis trade (Ware, Jaquez, Ament). I should mention that this technically does not proclude the Bucks from signing the big man to another deal, but it feels unlikely, given the aforementioned lack of spots.
This is something of a kick in the guts for many fans, including myself, who really thought Milwaukee had found a diamond in the rough with Nance. The number of times we would remark on Deer Diaries about how he was “always in the right spots” and “did all the little things” was… pretty large! After coming to the Bucks late in the 2024-25 season, Nance had a breakout 2025-26 campaign (although his numbers certainly don’t jump off the page), averaging 5.4 PPG and 2.7 RPG on 51.5% from the field and 42.0% from three. Assuming it isn’t with the Bucks, let’s hope he lands somewhere that gives him a real shot.
Jun 24, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) celebrates his RBI double in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
While this is a night-owl game at the start of a holiday weekend, there are reasons to tune in. Can Jake Bennett, who looked great against the Yankees, do it again? Can the Red Sox unleash some emotion on the Angels? This is a good time to get something going, in a season that’s running out of chances.
Most importantly, let’s enjoy Willson Contreras while we can. He’s on the field tonight while the appeals process plays out, but unless his suspension is dismissed or shortened, he’s about to go on the shelf for seven games. Longer term, will he still be on the team by this time next month?
All together for Willson, and for Venezuela. ¡Fuerza!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 20: Grounds crew members cover the field with a tarp after a rain delay was announced before the start of the first inning between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 20, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees are in the midst of trying to stop a seven-game losing streak with the Twins in town to begin a three-game series. Minnesota took a quick lead off Gerrit Cole thanks to a solo shot by Kody Clemens, but Yankees leadoff hitter Trent Grisham welcomed himself back from the IL by belting a bomb of his own at the start of the game to tie it at 1-1.
Although Cole has since settled down a bit with two scoreless innings, we must now wait before we get baseball again. They’ve put the tarp on the field at Yankee Stadium with heavy rain expected shortly. The forecast looks like it will clear up in a little while, but for now, it’s a rain delay. I would say that I hope it cools people off on this hot, hot day, but it might just end up being steamy. Alas.
Well, that didn’t take too long! Assuming nothing crazy happens (outside of Cape Verde vs. Argentina anyway), we’ll have baseball again in just a little bit. This delay should hopefully end up being about 50 minutes or so.
So remember in Wednesday’s recap when I said maybe games like this make me reconsider my desire for MLB to have a mercy rule?
Can I take that back?
The Cubs put a +20 on their run differential with Wednesday’s win — and gave 16 of that back Friday afternoon in a 17-1 blowout by the Cardinals.
First, about that blowout loss after the blowout win, from BCB’s JohnW53:
The most runs that the Cubs ever had allowed before in a game immediately after one in which they had scored at least 20 was 10. They lost to the Reds, 10-5, at home on Aug. 14, 1937, one day after winning, 22-6.
So 89 years later, the Cubs pretty much shattered that “record,” for whatever that’s worth.
More from John:
The Cubs’ worst loss ever to the Cardinals was by 18 runs, 21-3, at Wrigley Field on April 27, 1977. They lost to them, 19-2, at the West Side Grounds in 1904, and by 15 three times, the last in 1925. ….. The Cubs’ worst loss since 1901 was by 22-0 at home vs. the Pirates on Sept. 16, 1975, then by 20 runs, 22-2, at Cincinnati on June 1, 1957. This was their 17th loss by at least 16 runs and the 11th of them at home.
Okay, you probably do want to hear something from me. What I want to say about David Peterson’s first Wrigley Field start as a Cub is this: He just could not put away hitters, or innings. After a pretty easy first, which could have been better if Michael Busch hadn’t dropped a possible double-play relay after Dansby Swanson caught Ivan Herrera’s line drive, Peterson then retired the first two hitters in the second. After that: Double, single, home run. In the third, after the first two hitters reached, a sac fly and a ground out made it 4-0, but again, Peterson couldn’t put away Masyn Winn, who hit an RBI single, followed by an RBI double by Jose Fermin. In the fourth, after he got the first two hitters out on routine fly balls, Peterson walked the bases loaded, then gave up a two-run single. Bryse Wilson then relieved Peterson and served up a three-run homer to Winn, with two of the runs charged to Peterson.
Peterson threw 91 pitches to record 11 outs and was ahead of quite a few hitters, but simply could not put them away. Was it the Cardinals? As I mentioned in today’s game preview, the Cardinals pounded Peterson for seven hits and six runs in 3.2 innings just three weeks ago in New York.
So, Peterson vs. the Cardinals this year: 7.1 innings, 16 hits, 16 runs, 19.64 ERA. Maybe just don’t start him against the Cardinals?
Wilson wasn’t any better, serving up another homer in the sixth and being charged with seven runs in 3.1 innings. One can see why Wilson has been in five organizations in the last four years.
Here, let me break up this wall of text by showing you the Cubs’ only run of the game. In the seventh, Pedro Ramirez (who had taken Swanson’s place in the lineup) tripled, and one out later Alex Bregman doubled him in [VIDEO].
So, yay? Bregman had two of the Cubs’ seven hits. Maybe he’ll start hitting.
Drew Pomeranz, just returned to the Cubs, threw a 1-2-3 ninth in garbage time, on just 11 pitches, so he should be available tomorrow. That’s about all I’ve got on this one.
One more game note: It rained really hard in the area around Wrigley Field for about an hour starting just as the gates were opening at 1:30. Fortunately, it cleared the area, though a light rain fell during the first inning, and the game started just 10 minutes after the scheduled starting time of 3:05. Had this been a normal Friday 1:20 start, it probably would have started at… around 3:15.
Games like this, you do have to eventually laugh. They only count as one loss, fortunately, and one of the best things about baseball is that there’s almost always another game the next day. The Cubs and Cardinals will play Saturday evening at Wrigley Field. Shōta Imanaga will start for the Cubs and Kyle Leahy goes for St. Louis. Game time is 7:08 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Fox-TV (regional — coverage map).
